My very best greetings!

In the days of Epicurus a philosopher was not some dry academic in a university, parsing the inner meaning of words, but someone everyone came to listen to, to ask questions of, to debate with.  Today we are used to one-way media and entertainment that we cannot participate in.  Nothing wrong with that, but in ancient days the chief relaxations were going to the games, a play (when you could freely comment on the points of view of the actors), gossiping with your neighbours, or discussing ideas – endlessly.  The philosophers were the personalities of their day, debating with the public about the world and how to live in it.  People had time.  

Today, Americans mutter darkly about the long vacations enjoyed by the Mediterranean nations (not to mention the British, many of whom will take at least a week, and will not reappear until after New Year). Most working Americans have a single day off today or, since it is Thursday, might extend time off till next Monday morning. They would be more productive if they copied other nations and had more time off, if they had time to think, pause and reflect. I hope you are taking time off this Christmas.